The Palestinian Authority condemned the decision of Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon to allow plans for construction of 296 housing units in Beit El to progress. Nabil Abu Rodina, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said, "The decision destroys the peace process and the efforts of President Obama and Secretary of State Kerry to revive it."

Abu Rodina added, “The construction program proves that the Netanyahu government is not interested in a peaceful solution and that it wants to drag the region into violence." (Elior Levy)